Video: Ricky Rubio makes USA debut

Locked-out from the NBA, Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio gets into the game anyway. He made his U.S. debut Sunday in a charity game at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The Spanish sensation showed off his passing skills and made a nice long-range shot.

The Spanish phenom's long-awaited debut will come as a belated Christmas gift; the Wolves open their season a day after the holiday. Only time will tell if the point guard is a keeper or destined to be re-gifted.

Ricky Rubio is an NBA wonder. He's always smiling, passing and making his teammates better. His shaggy hair reminds people of Pete Maravich. But who does he really play like? As the Spanish sensation once said, "I'm Ricky Rubio. I'm not like anybody else."

Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan recently followed the young international basketball sensation for a week, including the night Rubio's rookie season would be cut short with a torn ACL in his left knee.

The Timberwolves' seven game road trip looked difficult even with Ricky Rubio, but without the injured rookie the Wolves' are now facing a critical time of the season. Kevin Love hates to put more pressure on the team, but he says "this is make it or break it time." Rick Adelam agrees, saying if the Wolves want to stay in the playoff race they have to "respond" and win on the road.